Custom Camera Strap

As promised, and barely finished, I have a Custom Camera Strap tutorial for you.  Keep in mind, this camera strap is designed for a canon DSLR camera, it is not a wrist strap for a point and shoot and I haven't tested it on any other brand of camera.  You may need to test webbing widths on your camera before purchasing the webbing.

Supplies:

• 1/4 yard fabric
• 2 - 2 1/2" x 32" strips of thick fusible interfacing or you can use batting or fleece.
• 1 yard 1/2" webbing
• 2 - 1/2" wide clips

Cutting and creasing fabric:

Cut fabric to 34" long.  Fold in half lengthwise, wrong sides together.  Press, then open with wrong side facing up.

Using center crease as a guide, fold raw edges toward center, leaving 5/8" between raw edges and center crease.  Press.

Open out.  Fold 1/2" toward wrong side of fabric at each end.  Press.

Assembly:

Place one strip of interfacing, fusible side down on top of wrong side of fabric, between outer crease and center crease.  Repeat for other piece of interfacing between other outer crease and the center crease.

Fold fabric over interfacing.  Turn entire assembly over.  Press to fuse, following instructions provided with interfacing.

Turn back over.  Fold in half along center crease.  Press.  Your strap should now look like this.

Top stitch both long edges of strap 1/4" from edge backstitching at both ends.

Adding Quick Release Straps:

Cut 2 strips of webbing 7" long.  Using 1 strip of webbing and the male side of one clip, thread male side of clip onto webbing.  Fold webbing in half lengthwise.  Insert ends into end of strap.  Don't overlap ends.

Stitch, going over stitching 3 times.  Backstitch at the start and finish.  Repeat for other end of strap, this time using the female part of the clip.

Topstitch around all edges of strap 1/8" from the edge, going over the stitching 3 times at each end with webbing, to strenthen.

Camera Side Straps:

Cut two 9" strips of webbing.  Using 1 strap and the male end of the other clip, thread the male end onto the webbing.  Fold over 3/4".  Stitch closed going over stitching 3 times.  Stitch another line 1/8" from original seam, going over 3 times to strengthen.

Repeat with other strip of webbing and female side of clip.

Tip:  To keep ends of webbing from fraying, melt them with a lighter before sewing.  Be careful, you're playing with fire.

I cannot and will not be held responsible for any damages.  If you don't know how to do this, don't do it.  There are also non-fray liquids at the fabric store that you can apply or you can use clear fingernail polish.
Attaching to Camera:

To attach your quick release straps to your camera you will need these small pieces off of your original camera strap.  I call them "stays" since I don't know the technical term.

Once you have the quick release straps on your camera, you wont ever have to take them off to change your camera strap.

Thread  one of the stays onto the strap, then thread the strap through the loop on the camera.  Thread the loose end of the strap back through the stay and tighten down.  It should now look like this.

Repeat for other strap.  Now you can attach your padded camera strap by clipping the male end of the neck strap to the female end of the camera side strap.  Repeat for the other end.  You're done!

Fabulous?  I know, it is, isn't it.

Wanna win one?  Comment  and/or become a follower of miymdiary.blogspot.com and you're entered to win the strap I made for the tutorial!

Want an extra chance to win, Blog about it and put a link to miymdiary.blogspot.com in your post.  Then comment to let me know you blogged, leaving your blog address so I can come check you out.

This giveaway closes on Make It Monday, so make sure you get your comments and blogs in before then. 

I must have at least 6 entries to do the giveaway.  If there are not enough, the giveaway will be cancelled.  Please comment! 

Happy Creating!!

In The Works

First off this weekend, I'm hoping to figure out how to make a fully padded camera strap, or slipcover for my existing camera strap. 

I know there are tutorials on the internet for this project, but I didn't think any of them were quite right for me, so I'm making my own.

Watch for a tutorial the week after spring break, since I'm taking spring break off.

Also in the works this weekend is this project that I found over at Little Birdie Secrets. 

Thanks Little Birdie Secrets for the photo and tutorial!

Love it!  Greatest thing?  Although you can buy wet bags in the store, you can't get them to coordinate your diapers and wipes clutch or your decorative wipes clutch or your handbag.

So to make your own wet bags in the size and color of your choosing, check out this tutorial.

Happy Creating!

The Fix-It Basket

I personally prefer to get as much use out of something as possible.  So when something rips or breaks, or a seam pops open, I want to fix it, instead of getting a new one. 

Now that I've got my sewing room (yea!!!) I have a system for taking care of these things in a timely manner.  It's called my Fix-It Basket, and I wanted to spotlight it for anyone who might be frustrated with their system or who would like to start "fixin' it."

Basically, this is all it is:

I have a basket sitting at the end of my sewing table.  Anyone who wants something fixed can put it in the basket, and let me know what they need done (unless it's self explanitory) and then as I have a few minutes here and there, I can grab something out and fix it.

As you can see, I have nothing in the basket today, but it seems that since I've started the Fix-It Basket, there's been at least one thing in it every day.

For any of you that are like me, the Fix-It Basket is a motivator.  It's almost like a check list (which I love, by the way).  As things get fixed they leave the basket, and I feel a sense of accomplishment, especially when the basket is empty.

So try it around your house.  Whether it's a ball that needs blowing up or a pair of shorts that the seam has ripped out of, or a princess crown that needs a little superglue, you and the Fix-It Basket will keep your house in good working order.

Happy Fixing!

Decorative Wipes Clutch

This project is FANTASTIC!!!  I tried it out yesterday and it turned out great!

For my first time doing it, it took me about an hour, but now that I know how, it will take much less time next time. 

To make your own, check out this tutorial from homemade by jill.

Just because it's called decorative wipes clutch, don't discount it's usefulness.  These would make great pencil/crayon cases, or think "that time of the month" or how about to keep all those stray buttons in.  Think outside the box and you'll find endless possibilities for this fantastic decorative wipes clutch.

Oh, and I almost forgot about cost.  I've checked around online and found these for anywhere between $10 and $30.  I spent a grand total of $3.76 for all the supplies.  Definitely better than buying in my book.

Happy Creating!!

Make It Monday

It's Make It Monday!

Today, I'm spotlighting the most amazing English Trifle recipe ever.

If you've never made trifle, you may think it's something fancy and difficult to make, but I can tell you it's a piece of cake.  It sounds fancy and may look fancy, but in all reality, it's cake, pudding, fruit, and whipped cream.  No Big Deal.

So try this recipe submitted by teri on allrecipes.com.  It's one of my very favorite recipes ever.  I LOVE IT!!!

Easy Lunch Time

I've been having trouble getting my kids to eat their meals as of late.  The 3 year old basically says she doesn't like anything, while the 18 month old "doesn't like" vegetables of any kind.  Today at lunch, I was daring and tried the following meal.  It's not a recipe and it's not unique, but it worked, it was easy, and I was amazed.  (hence, the reason for the post.)  Here's what I did:

Ingredients:

• Iceberg Lettuce, washed and cut into bite size pieces
• Grated cheese, I used a mexican blend, but use whatever's leftover
• Baby carrots
• Ranch dressing, I prefer to make mine from the Hidden Valley packet
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes

Start by placing a child size portion of lettuce in a cereal bowl.  Grate a baby carrot over the top with a cheese grater.  Then toss on some cheese.  If you've got some leftover bacon or hardboiled egg you could chop it up and add it too, but I didn't have any today.  Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top, then toss with a fork.  Place the tomatoes on last, and leave them whole.  Kids love the finger food aspect too.

My kids, who normally pick lettuce off sandwiches and refuse to eat carrots, devoured this salad in less than 10 minutes.  Then they asked for more.  I didn't even get the usual complaint about how they don't like whatever it is, and no food was thrown on the floor today.  Amazing!

Diaper Clutch

 

This is a very simple and useful project, borne from my desire to save money and also be organized.  My friend Laura came over and talked me through it and helped me make a sample or 2, and now we've got a tutorial ready for all you that want your own diaper clutch.

Diaper Clutch

• Supplies: You will need the following items:

• 3 pieces of 8 1/2" x 11" printer paper
• scissors for paper
• pencil
• tape
• ruler
• fabric tape measure
• scissors for fabric
• pins
• thread
• sewing machine (obviously)
• 2 coordinating 1/4 yard pieces of fabric
• velcro

**This tutorial uses a 1/2" seam allowance unless otherwise specified**

Section 1: Make A Pattern

Although you can make this without a pattern, I've found it's much easier when it comes to cutting and getting angles and curves the same if you use a pattern.

• For Front Piece:
• Using 1 piece of paper, draw a curve in one corner.

• Fold the paper in half the long way an cut both layers of paper along curve line.
• Open paper out, this is your pattern for the front section of the project.
• For Back Piece:
• Tape the remaining 2 pieces of paper together the long way so it is 15 1/2" long.

• 
  
  
  At the top, make a mark 1 1/2" from the left side of the paper. Repeat for the right side.

• Measure down 5 1/4" from the top of the paper. Using a ruler, draw a line across pattern. This is your tab fold line.

• Using a ruler, connect fold line at right edge of paper with right side mark. Fold paper in half the long way, and cut along line.

• Using the front pattern as a guide, cut a curve in the bottom corner, then open flat. This is your pattern for the back section of the project.

Section 2: Cut the Fabric

**For purposes of the tutorial, I will be using Hop Dot-Tangerine from Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane Collection as my lining and Welcome Road-Pink also from Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane Collection for my outer fabric. I will reference them yellow and pink for the remainder of the tutorial.**

• Layer a single layer of each fabric then lay the pattern on top of them. You can pin the pattern to the fabric if you wish.
• Cut around each pattern through both layers of fabric.
• You should now have 1 pink back piece, 1 pink front piece, 1 yellow back piece, and 1 yellow front piece.

Section 3: Assembly

• Front
• With right sides together, stitch top edge of front pieces only. Open flat.

• With right sides up, stitch seam allowance to yellow lining 1/8" - 1/4" from original seam.

• With right sides still facing up, measure 2 1/4" from original seam in center of pink fabric. Mark with a pencil.

• Center bottom edge of hook side of velcro rectange on mark, then sew 1/8" from all edges of velcro to attach.
• Back
• With right side facing up, measure 1" from top in center of yellow fabric. mark with a pencil.

• Center top edge of loop side of velcro on mark, then sew 1/8" from all edges of velcro to attach.
• Fold down top edge of yellow fabric 1/2" toward wrong side of fabric. Press. Repeat this step on pink fabric also.

• Putting Sides Together
• Layer back pink fabric, right side up, then with wrong sides together layer front assembly with yellow side up. Last, layer back yellow fabric, wrong side up.
• Pin into place.

• Stitch around 3 sides leaving folded top side open for turning.
• Trim seam allowances to alleviate bulk. Turn right sides out.

• Stitch opening closed 1/8" - 1/4" from edge.

You're finished!! That's all there is to it.

So, according to my assessment, this project costs less than $6 and it takes less than 1 hour. Hmmm, I don't know about you, but that's definitely worth making myself instead of buying one.

If you have any questions, please contact me at kristinslearningmoments@gmail.com.

Oh, did you want to win one?  Well, all you have to do to win this diaper clutch is comment.  If you want another chance to win, become a follower of my blog.  For one more chance to win, post about this tutorial on your blog, and link back to me in your post.  Comment to let me know you did.

This giveaway will close on Friday, March 12.  I will announce a winner on Make It Yourself Monday!

Happy Creating!

*fabric purchased at Piece By Piece, Eugene, OR.  Other supplies purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics.

About Me

My name is Kristin. I am a Wife and SAHM. After moving and having our income cut drastically, I became committed to saving my family as much money as possible.

This is where my passion for MIY (make it yourself) comes in. I want to be organized and have fanstastically cute items, all while living on a small budget, so when I see something in a store or boutique, I take a good look and say, "I can probably make that myself." Then I head for home and the internet, to find the best free pattern to make it.


If it's not on the internet or I don't like the items I find, I make it up myself, with the help of my mom and my friends, who all have more crafting experience than I do.

After doing this for a few projects, I realized that if I want others to share their knowledge with me, I had better get myself in gear and share my ideas with others as well.

To learn more about me and my family, please visit my personal blog, kristinslearningmoments.blogspot.com.

A couple need to know things about this blog:

• I will only post projects that I can do and that I have tested. This is my MIY life, and there will never be anything on here that I haven't actually done and done well.
• I will almost always have a giveaway after completing a project. I usually make 1 to figure it out, then one to do the tutorail with photos. The tutorial project will almost always be given away to one of you dear readers.
• I will always give credit where credit is due. If I got an idea from somewhere else and I showcase it on my blog, I will make sure you know exactly where and whom I got it from.

Happy Creating!